Best washing machines

Buying the best washing machine

We find the best washing machines by putting top-selling models from the high street through an intensive test programme. Our Best Buy washing machines get your clothes cleaner, faster and with lower running costs than other models, so they should be your first choice when trying to choose the best washing machine for you needs.

But there are things you need to consider first when buying a washing machine, including whether you want a built-in washing machine or a freestanding model, and what washing machine capacity you need.

• Which? Best Buy washing machines
• How to buy the best washing machine
• Washing machine features explained
• Compare washing machine features and types

Best washing machine brands

As well as cleaning well, the best washing machines should be built to last, so we rate the reliability of washing machine brands including Bosch, Hotpoint, Miele, LG and Indesit based on the real-life experiences of thousands of owners. We also get members to tell us how satisfied they are with the washing machine, so you can find out which washing machine brand they'd recommend to a friend. 

And over many years of testing washing machines, we've become very familiar with washing machine brands – our review of the best washing machine brands will show you which brands' machines generally do well, and which usually perform poorly.

• Best washing machine brands
• Washing machine reliability
• Washing machine owners' views

Eco friendly washing machines

Which? can help you choose a more efficient washing machine that still gets your whites bright and your washing spotless, helping you to save energy, water, money – and the environment. 

During our washing machine testing, we found water usage ranged from just 6.2 litres of water per kilogram to 11.8 litres of water per kilogram – using the best washing machine twice a week for a year would save you more than 36 baths of water than if you were using the least efficient washing machine.

• Water-efficient washing machines
• Energy-efficient washing machines
• Video guide to being greener with your washing machine

Getting the best from your washing machine

When can you wash at 30°C, and when is it best to use your washing machine at a higher temperature? Once you've bought the best washing machine, the Which? experts have the best washing tips to help you make the most of it. 

Plus our washing machine troubleshooter can diagnose what's wrong with a faulty washing machine quickly and easily - and gives you the next steps you can take to get it back up and running.

• Using your washing machine
• Washing symbols
• Washing machine repairs tool
• Washing machine FAQs

Should I buy a washer-dryer?

If space is an issue, and you think you'll use a tumble dryer occasionally, you might be considering buying a washer-dryer combination – but how dow they compare to standalone washing machines and tumble dryers? 

We've found that the best washer-dryers are almost as good as the best washing machines but the tumble-drying function won't match up to the best tumble dryers we've tested – so think carefully about what you need before making a choice.

• Washer-dryers reviewed
• Choosing the best washer-dryer